In tarot, “birth cards” are derived from a person’s date of birth and are believed to represent intrinsic qualities, potential, and life lessons. The concept of birth cards is rooted in numerology, where a person’s birthdate is reduced to a single digit or a combination of digits that correspond to specific tarot cards.
Calculating Birth Cards
To calculate your birth cards, follow these steps:
- Write down your birth date (e.g., February 14, 1990 as 02/14/1990).
- Convert the birth date to numbers:
- Month: 02
- Day: 14
- Year: 1990 (1 + 9 + 9 + 0 = 19)
- Add these numbers together:
- 2 + 14 + 19 = 35
- Reduce the result to a number between 1 and 22 (since there are 22 Major Arcana cards):
- 3 + 5 = 8
- Identify your birth card(s):
- In this case, the birth card is the 8th card in the Major Arcana, which is Strength.
If the sum results in a number between 1 and 22, that number itself is your birth card. If the result is greater than 22, you can break it down further. Sometimes, individuals might have two birth cards if their first reduction leads to a number between 1-22 and the second reduction also yields a number in that range.
Major Arcana Cards and Their Meanings
Here are the meanings of some of the Major Arcana cards, which can be interpreted as birth cards:
- The Fool (0): New beginnings, spontaneity, and adventure.
- The Magician (I): Manifestation, resourcefulness, and power.
- The High Priestess (II): Intuition, unconscious knowledge, and mystery.
- The Empress (III): Fertility, nurturing, and abundance.
- The Emperor (IV): Authority, structure, and control.
- The Hierophant (V): Tradition, spiritual guidance, and conformity.
- The Lovers (VI): Relationships, choices, and harmony.
- The Chariot (VII): Willpower, determination, and control.
- Strength (VIII): Courage, inner strength, and compassion.
- The Hermit (IX): Introspection, solitude, and inner guidance.
- Wheel of Fortune (X): Cycles, fate, and destiny.
- Justice (XI): Fairness, truth, and law.
- The Hanged Man (XII): Sacrifice, letting go, and new perspectives.
- Death (XIII): Transformation, endings, and new beginnings.
- Temperance (XIV): Balance, moderation, and harmony.
- The Devil (XV): Temptation, materialism, and bondage.
- The Tower (XVI): Sudden change, upheaval, and revelation.
- The Star (XVII): Hope, inspiration, and serenity.
- The Moon (XVIII): Illusion, fear, and the subconscious.
- The Sun (XIX): Joy, success, and positivity.
- Judgment (XX): Reflection, reckoning, and awakening.
- The World (XXI): Completion, fulfillment, and unity.
Interpreting Your Birth Cards
Each birth card reflects aspects of your personality, strengths, challenges, and life path. Here are a few ways to interpret them:
- Core Qualities: Your birth card reveals traits that are central to your identity and how you approach life.
- Life Lessons: The card may indicate lessons you are meant to learn during your lifetime.
- Challenges: Birth cards can highlight potential obstacles or challenges you may face and how to navigate them.
- Guidance: They can serve as a guiding influence, helping you make decisions that align with your true self.
Conclusion
Understanding your tarot birth cards can provide insight into your life path and personal growth. Whether you view the tarot as a spiritual guide or a psychological tool, it can be a meaningful way to explore your inner self and navigate your life journey.